23 Men’s Short Curly Hairstyles That Look Sharp, Stylish, and Effortless
Curly hair is a gift — but only if you know how to style it right. For men, short curly hairstyles strike the perfect balance between low maintenance and standout style. Whether your curls are loose waves or tight coils, the right haircut can define your face, boost confidence, and keep your look clean without hours in front of the mirror.
In this guide, we’ll break down 23 men’s short curly hairstyles that are modern, timeless, and easy to manage. From fades to textured crops, these styles work for casual days, professional settings, and everything in between.
Why Short Curly Hairstyles Work So Well for Men
Short curly hairstyles are popular for a reason:
- They’re easier to maintain than long curls
- They highlight natural texture
- They work for all face shapes
- They can look polished or rugged, depending on the cut
With the right barber and a bit of curl-friendly product, short curls can look intentional rather than messy.
23 Men’s Short Curly Hairstyles
1. Classic Short Curly Cut
A timeless option where curls are evenly trimmed all over. Clean, simple, and perfect for men who want a no-fuss style.
Best for: All face shapes
Styling tip: Use a light curl cream for definition
2. Short Curly Fade
This style keeps curls on top while the sides fade gradually. It creates contrast and a modern edge.
Best for: Oval and square faces
Maintenance: Regular fade touch-ups
3. Low Fade with Short Curls
A low fade starts near the ears, keeping the look subtle and professional.
Great for: Office and formal settings
Bonus: Enhances natural curl volume
4. High Fade Curly Top
Bold and stylish, the high fade draws attention upward, making curls the star of the look.
Best for: Men who like sharp, trendy cuts
Works well with: Tight curls
5. Taper Fade with Short Curls
A taper fade blends smoothly at the neckline and temples, offering a softer alternative to a full fade.
Perfect for: Clean but natural styles
Styling: Minimal product needed
6. Curly Crop
A short crop keeps curls controlled and close to the scalp while maintaining texture.
Ideal for: Active lifestyles
Low maintenance: Yes
7. Short Curly Caesar
Inspired by the classic Caesar cut, this version adds curls for texture and character.
Best for: Men with receding hairlines
Styling: Light matte product
8. Short Curly Fringe
A small fringe at the front gives a youthful, stylish look without extra length.
Best for: High foreheads
Trend factor: High
9. Curly Textured Top with Faded Sides
Texture is the key here. The curls are shaped rather than flattened.
Best for: Thick curly hair
Styling tip: Scrunch curls while damp
10. Buzzed Sides with Short Curls
Short curls on top paired with closely buzzed sides create a bold contrast.
Perfect for: Men who like edgy styles
Maintenance: Moderate
11. Short Afro Curls
A compact afro keeps curls natural but controlled.
Best for: Coily and kinky hair types
Tip: Moisturize regularly
12. Curly Crew Cut
A crew cut adapted for curly hair keeps everything neat while letting curls show through.
Ideal for: Athletic builds
Professional look: Yes
13. Short Curly Undercut
The undercut removes bulk from the sides, making curls on top pop.
Best for: Fashion-forward men
Styling: Curl cream + diffuser
14. Messy Short Curly Hair
Intentionally messy, this style embraces natural curl patterns.
Best for: Casual, laid-back looks
Low effort: Very
15. Short Curly Mohawk Fade
A modern mohawk with curls adds personality without going over the top.
Best for: Creative personalities
Edge level: Medium-high
16. Short Curly Hair with Line-Up
A sharp line-up around the hairline adds structure to curly hair.
Perfect for: Crisp, clean finishes
Maintenance: Frequent trims
17. Curly Ivy League
A refined short cut with slight curl texture gives a polished appearance.
Best for: Business casual styles
Styling: Light hold product
18. Short Curly Hair with Temple Fade
A temple fade sharpens the sides while keeping curls soft and natural.
Great for: Everyday wear
Bonus: Frames the face nicely
19. Short Curly Drop Fade
The fade curves downward at the back, adding dimension.
Best for: Round and oval faces
Modern look: Yes
20. Short Curly Hair with Beard Fade
Blending curls into a faded beard creates a cohesive, masculine look.
Perfect for: Men with beards
Tip: Keep your beard well-groomed
21. Short Curly Hair with Hard Part
A shaved part adds definition and contrast.
Best for: Thick curls
Style factor: High
22. Natural Short Curls
Let your curls grow naturally with minimal shaping.
Ideal for: Men who prefer authenticity
Maintenance: Moisture is key
23. Short Curly Hair with Skin Fade
The skin fade creates maximum contrast with textured curls on top.
Best for: Bold, modern styles
Barber skill: Important
How to Style Men’s Short Curly Hairstyles
Styling curly hair doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow these basics:
- Use sulfate-free shampoo
- Apply curl cream to damp hair
- Avoid brushing dry curls
- Let hair air-dry or use a diffuser
- Trim every 3–5 weeks
Best Products for Short Curly Hair
- Curl-enhancing cream
- Lightweight gel
- Leave-in conditioner
- Matte pomade (for structured looks)
Final Thoughts
Short curly hair gives men endless styling options — from clean fades to natural textures. The key is choosing a cut that works with your curl type, face shape, and lifestyle. With these 23 men’s short curly hairstyles, you’ll find a look that’s stylish, practical, and effortlessly confident.
Hi, I’m Sophia, the founder and creative voice behind Hairsloved.com — your go-to destination for all things fashion, hair styling, and beauty inspiration.
